Times of Our Lives - Chapter 23

After the beginning of spring, the weather didn’t immediately warm up. The lingering cold of late spring lasted for over a month, leaving the students feeling languid even after the start of classes.

 

Early in the morning, Maitreya Buddha walked into the classroom and began handing out exam papers without a care for the complaints below, cheerfully provoking resentment, “Even if it’s freezing, we’re still having the exam! Hurry up! Get your pens out!”

 

Four classes were held that morning, with math and Chinese exams completed. Even someone like Xie Meng felt dizzy and exhausted by the end of the tests.

 

By lunchtime, Zhuo Xiaoyuan didn’t even have the energy to eat. Leaning on the table, he sighed, “This is tough… I finally feel like I’m about to take the college entrance exam.”

 

Zhang Ganggang was struggling to break apart his chopsticks, having spent half a day without success. Qi Fei rolled his eyes impatiently and reached out, saying, “Give it to me!”

 

“Why so fierce…” Zhang Ganggang muttered, “Look at Yimei being so gentle with Mengmeng. Qi Mama, why can’t you learn from her?”

 

Qi Fei: “…”

 

“… When did I become Mengmeng?” Xie Meng chuckled.

 

Ji Qinyang placed a chicken leg in Xie Meng’s bowl. “Ignore him. He’s been addicted to giving people nicknames lately.”

 

“I’m just building rapport!” Zhang Ganggang argued seriously. “We’re going to separate after graduation. How can we not leave behind some good memories!”

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan raised an eyebrow. “Leave behind a stupid nickname?”

 

Zhang Ganggang glared. “Shut up! Zhuo Tienan!”

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan: “…………”

 

During the rare unoccupied self-study period after lunch, they could rest until 1:30 pm. Ji Qinyang took his sheet music and went to the music room to practice the piano.

 

Xie Meng sat by the window, focusing on his practice exercises. Occasionally, he glanced over at Ji Qinyang, who wore headphones and sat with his back turned, focused on writing music on the piano keys. He often played a string of melodies, continuously revising and listening.

 

At that time, Ji Qinyang had a rarely seen serious and focused expression, emitting a sense of solitude as if cut off from the outside world. Xie Meng listened to the monotonous notes slowly forming into unfamiliar melodies. The airflow around him rose and fell, converging into a magnificent sea that gently swept over his eardrums and heart.

 

When the afternoon bell rang for class, Ji Qinyang didn’t hear it. He was still adjusting the tuning with his headphones on and only realized two classes had passed when he came to his senses.

 

“Finished?” Xie Meng closed his book when he turned around. Ji Qinyang stretched lazily, smiling, “We can still make it back in time for the third period now.”

 

“…” Ji Qinyang frowned slightly, “Why didn’t you call me?”

 

Xie Meng patted his thigh. “Skipping class is rare… and it’s such a good private concert.”

 

Ji Qinyang smiled and rubbed his nose, hanging the headphones around his neck.

 

Xie Meng organized his books and looked up to find Ji Qinyang standing in front of him.

 

“?”

 

Ji Qinyang suddenly reached out and pulled down the blue curtain behind him. Xie Meng instinctively stepped back against the wall, with Ji Qinyang’s arm blocking his face.

 

Xie Meng: “…”

 

Ji Qinyang’s palm pressed against the other’s chest. He muttered, “Your heartbeat is so fast.”

 

Xie Meng opened his mouth to retort, but Ji Qinyang lowered his head.

 

At first, he just lightly sniffed at Xie Meng’s neck, then his cheek, and his temple… Xie Meng tried to dodge because it tickled, laughing and crying out, “What are you trying to do…”

 

Ji Qinyang didn’t speak. He pressed a bit harder near Xie Meng’s heart and murmured to himself, “This place belongs to me.”

 

Xie Meng looked at him.

 

Ji Qinyang stroked Xie Meng’s hair, his palm warm and hot. He squeezed between the other’s legs, pressing him against the wall. Xie Meng instinctively pulled the curtain over to cover them both, and Ji Qinyang lowered his head to kiss Xie Meng’s lips.

 

As if the clock of youth had slowed by a second, the secret kiss behind the curtain extended the fleeting moment of adolescence.

 

By the time the last class ended, Xie Meng returned to the classroom, and Zhuo Xiaoyuan frowned when he saw him.

 

“Be more careful,” he pulled out a wet tissue from his desk and handed it to Xie Meng, “Your lips are swollen…”

 

Xie Meng apologized and pressed the tissue to his mouth, prompting Maitreya Buddha to come in and express concern, “Feeling unwell? Don’t force yourself. Go rest.”

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan listened nearby, feeling heartbroken and muttered, “The privileges of a good student… openly torturing the dogs.”

 

Xie Meng: “…”

 

As the weather gradually warmed up, around Qingming Festival, Xie Meng took Ji Qinyang to sweep Zhang Xiujun’s grave. They spent the morning driving to Dongshan, cleaning the tombstone, kowtowing, and burning paper money.

 

Amidst the incense smoke, Ji Qinyang closed his eyes with his hands clasped together, and Xie Meng burned the paper, looking up at him.

 

“What did you say to Grandma Zhang?” Xie Meng asked on the way down the mountain.

 

Before Qingming, right after the rain, the tea fields of Dongshan were lush with new greenery. In the distance, there were fields by the lake, and the mountain breeze carried the scent of tea, filling the air.

 

“Didn’t say much,” Ji Qinyang walked among rows of dragon junipers. He reached out to Xie Meng and smiled, saying, “Tell her I’ll take good care of you.”

 

Xie Meng smiled back and held Ji Qinyang’s hand.

 

More people were coming down the mountain, and seeing two boys holding hands piqued some curiosity among their companions. Some elders kindly greeted them, “Are you two brothers? Who are you paying respects to?”

 

“For my dear grandma,” Ji Qinyang didn’t explain the brotherly relationship, and Xie Meng remained silent, politely nodding to the inquiring elder.

 

Down the mountain was the town. Many tea farmers lived along the mountainside, with houses scattered neatly around fields and fish ponds. Freshly turned soil still held moisture, and clear water channels ran beneath field ridges.

 

Xie Meng and Ji Qinyang followed the only road out, passing farmhouses with loquat trees outside, bearing unripe fruits in a charming green hue.

 

Leaving the town led to lakeside scenery, with willow trees along the embankment and reed marshes yet to turn yellow, where groups of wild ducks swam.

 

Ji Qinyang held Xie Meng’s hand and fiddled with something in his pocket.

 

“It’s really beautiful,” Xie Meng looked towards the fishing boats in the distance.

 

Ji Qinyang said, “When we’re older, let’s buy a lake-view house here and live together.”

 

Xie Meng shook his head. He smiled without saying a word, walking back slowly with Ji Qinyang.

 

“We don’t need a lake-view house,” Xie Meng looked at the road under the evening sun and said slowly, “When we’re old, being able to come back here will be enough.”

 

After Xiaoman, the countdown to the college entrance exam behind the classroom had entered the single digits, and Zhang Ganggang would look back several times a day, causing Qi Fei to feel increasingly pressured.

 

As the only one staying in Suzhou among them, Qi Fei was undoubtedly the most relaxed after Ji Qinyang, so he became the de facto “Qi Fei mama,” responsible for being Zhang Ganggang’s emotional trash can.

 

No matter how stressful the exams were, Zhang Ganggang always had his soft goddess in mind, so Qi Fei couldn’t just crush his spirits, lest it affect his exam mood.

 

On the last day at school, the entire grade held a swearing-in ceremony.

 

Xie Meng recited a speech on stage as a representative to boost morale, a script written by a student from the liberal arts class, and only at the end did Xie Meng realize that the three characters on it were Ji Qinyang.

 

When the boy paused, he looked down at the stage. Sure enough, Ji Qinyang was staring at him from afar, raising an eyebrow and showing off a cheeky smile.

 

Xie Meng couldn’t help but laugh. He slowly read aloud the last paragraph of the speech.

 

“We are about to go our separate ways, embarking on different paths in life. The road ahead will be strewn with thorns and flowers; perhaps failure, perhaps success.”

 

Ji Qinyang stood below the stage, silently mouthing the words along with Xie Meng.

 

“Although life will bring countless losses and choices, there will always be love and dreams to guide you—”

 

Xie Meng looked around, carefully closed the script in his hand.

 

“To show you where the road lies.”

 

After the rally, all the students were very excited, and some girls even hugged each other in tears. Wu Xiaomei, with red eyes, complained to Ji Qinyang and Xie Meng, “Why write something so touching… It’s hard to part ways.”

 

“Who said we’re parting ways?” Qi Fei winked at the two. “As Yangge said, love and dreams! Right, bro?”

 

Ji Qinyang kicked him, reached out and put his arm around Xie Meng’s shoulder.

 

Xie Meng smiled at them playing around. Zhang Ganggang came over with his SLR, saying he was going to take a campus memento, so several people became temporary “models.”

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan and Xie Meng sat in front and behind the desk, stacking books to create a study atmosphere; Qi Fei and Ji Qinyang posed for photos on the basketball court, one-on-one for Zhang Ganggang to capture, but they got too serious and forgot to look at the camera… Ji Qinyang played the piano alone in the music room, while Xie Meng sat by the window, casting a shadow as he read.

 

Qi Fei took off his shirt after playing basketball due to the heat; Zhuo Xiaoyuan hung upside down on the horizontal bar, making a V sign at Zhang Ganggang’s camera.

 

In the scorching summer, the afternoon sun shone through the lush branches, casting dappled light on the main road of the campus. Ji Qinyang and Xie Meng held hands, and Zhang Ganggang captured these scenes from behind.

 

The youth in the frame remained forever young, and time softened the faces of the boys.

 

With the cicadas buzzing in June, the final bell for the college entrance exam finally rang. Xie Meng walked out of the examination room with the crowd, and Ji Qinyang waited outside with earphones.

 

Zhang Ganggang waved his arms from afar, “Over here! Over here!”

 

Xie Meng smiled as he walked over. Zhuo Xiaoyuan and Qi Fei hadn’t come out yet.

 

“Liberation!” Zhang Ganggang pounced on the boys before Xie Meng could approach them. “Graduation trip! Graduation trip!”

 

Xie Meng chuckled, “You’re thinking about playing before the results are out, so I guess you did well?”

 

张杠杠 chuckled. He saw Qi Fei approaching and shouted, “Qi Fei Mama! Over here!”

 

Ji Qinyang glanced at Xie Meng and lazily smiled, “Thanks for your hard work.”

 

Xie Meng reached out and rubbed the back of his head. “You too.”

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan was the last to come out, and the four discussed where to go while waiting for him.

 

“Let’s stay closer,” Ji Qinyang said. “Xie Meng and Zhuo Xiaoyuan might find distant places inconvenient.”

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan raised an eyebrow. “Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai are all fine.”

 

Zhang Ganggang excitedly said, “Should we visit all of them?”

 

Qi Fei suggested, “We should go to the seaside in summer, like Xiangshan in Ningbo.”

 

“Changzhou Dinosaur Park! And Yangzhou soup dumplings!” Zhang Ganggang shouted, “Dinosaur Park! Soup dumplings! Dinosaur Park! Soup dumplings!”

 

“Yangzhou, Changzhou, Ningbo,” Ji Qinyang decided. “Alright, I’ll check the routes tonight to see which is most convenient. You guys pack up, and we’ll leave tomorrow.”

 

“Awesome!” Zhang Ganggang exclaimed. “An impromptu trip!”

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan sighed and joked, “You can go, but without us, you won’t know if you’re sold.”

 

Zhang Ganggang replied, “…”

 

That night, Xie Meng packed while talking on the phone with Ji Qinyang.

 

“I’ve got band-aids; do you have motion sickness pills?” Xie Meng took out the medical kit and picked out what to take.

 

“Sure, don’t bring too many clothes,” Ji Qinyang replied with rustling sounds on the phone. “I also have cooling oil, a flashlight… Don’t forget your swim trunks.”

 

Xie Meng paused in his packing. “Should I bring square-cut ones?”

 

Ji Qinyang laughed softly on the other end. “What are you worrying about?”

 

Xie Meng didn’t say anything.

 

Ji Qinyang hummed happily on the phone. “I’m bringing square-cut ones. You bring whatever you like?”

 

Xie Meng hesitated and replied jokingly, “Then I’ll bring square-cut ones too.”

 

After finishing packing, Xie Meng asked, “Have you booked the train tickets?”

 

“We’ll go to Changzhou first. I’ll buy the tickets on the spot when we arrive,” Ji Qinyang replied. “As for the hotel… How do we book for five people?”

 

Xie Meng hadn’t thought of that and was pondering when Ji Qinyang said, “There’s an incoming call.” His voice sounded surprised, “I’ll contact you later.”

 

Xie Meng agreed and hung up. After packing everything, he cleaned up Zhang Xiujuan’s portrait, lit incense, and in less than ten minutes, Ji Qinyang called back.

 

“The hotel and tickets are sorted,” Ji Qinyang sounded pleased. “Han Dong is also coming… Oh, and don’t tell Zhang Ganggang.”

 

Xie Meng wanted to ask why not tell Zhang Ganggang, but he wisely kept quiet.

 

Zhang Ganggang rarely woke up earlier than the alarm clock. With his eyes closed and his hair messy, he brushed his teeth and washed his face. Zhang’s mother was making egg cakes in the kitchen, shouting loudly through the door, “Clean up the counter! Don’t spray toothpaste foam on the mirror!” She turned to Zhang’s father and scolded him, “Old man, stop teasing the birds! Come help me with the cakes, quickly!”

 

Zhang’s father obediently answered, put down the bird-feeding spoon, and ran to the kitchen to help Zhang’s mother.

 

After washing his face and combing his hair, Zhang Ganggang came out and saw his mother still stuffing food into his bag.

 

“Enough, Mom,” Zhang Ganggang couldn’t stand it and said, “There are only five of us, are you feeding pigs?”

 

“Pigs aren’t as smart as you!” Zhang’s mother laughed heartily, giving her son two kisses on the forehead. “Stay safe! Treat others well! Make good friends, understand?”

 

“Yeah yeah,” Zhang Ganggang mumbled with his egg cake in hand, heading out. Just as he reached the entrance of the neighborhood, he saw a large nanny van parked there.

 

Zhang Ganggang walked over curiously and cautiously peered inside the window.

 

Suddenly, with a loud “whoosh,” the door was pulled open from the inside.

 

“Whoa!” Zhang Ganggang jumped in surprise.

 

Han Dong was sitting inside, legs crossed, sunglasses off, staring expressionlessly at him.

 

“…?” Zhang Ganggang said, “What are you doing here?!”

 

Han Dong raised an eyebrow but before he could speak, Qi Fei leaned out from behind him. “Zhang Ganggang, what are you dawdling for? Get in the car!”

 

Zhang Ganggang exclaimed, “Qi Fei Mama, you’re here too?!”

 

Han Dong calmly stated, “Because I’m going with you guys.” He patted the seat, “This car is from my family.”

 

“…”

 

The experienced driver respectfully addressed Han Dong as “Young Master,” while Ji Qinyang and Xie Meng sat in the back row. Inside the car, the six boys were enjoying the egg cakes made by Zhang’s mother.

 

Zhang Ganggang reluctantly sat next to Han Dong, intentionally turning his head away and not talking to him.

 

Qi Fei leaned forward from the back and patted his head, “What’s bothering you?”

 

Zhang Ganggang grumbled, “Rich people can’t be debauched!”

 

Han Dong sneered, “Am I debauching you?”

 

Zhang Ganggang was at a loss for words.

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan coolly remarked, “He’s envious of your wealth and freedom.”

 

“…!” Zhang Ganggang was annoyed. “Zhuo Tiennan, you’ve been checking my Weibo again!”

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan enjoyed the scenery with a pleasant mood, pretending not to hear Zhang Ganggang’s accusation.

 

Suddenly, Han Dong asked, “You have Weibo?”

 

“Why?” Zhang Ganggang stared at him cautiously, but then he thought of something and instantly turned friendly, “Right! Does Rou Rou Goddess have Weibo?!”

 

Han Dong glanced at him meaningfully, “I’m not sure. I’ll ask later.”

 

Zhang Ganggang opened his mouth wide, then immediately sat up straight and seriously said, “Sir Han Dong!”

 

“Huh?”

 

Zhang Ganggang’s expression was serious, “During this trip, I will serve you diligently and wholeheartedly!”

 

Han Dong remained silent.

 

Ji Qinyang sat in the back, holding Xie Meng’s shoulder. He handed him the earphones and, after graduating, the boys had switched from their old MP3 players to the more advanced Sony ZX1, filled with pre-selected songs. After listening for a while, Xie Meng turned back and saw Ji Qinyang playing with his phone.

 

“What are you looking at?” Xie Meng asked curiously.

 

Ji Qinyang casually smiled, “I installed WeChat and Weibo for you.”

 

Xie Meng took a look, “My phone has limited memory… I’ll need to get a new one soon.”

 

“I heard the iPhone 6s is coming out?” Ji Qinyang, still using an iPhone 4s, where the lock screen showed the first photo he took with Xie Meng in the snow.

 

Xie Meng laughed, “You still keep that early photo?”

 

Ji Qinyang raised an eyebrow, “It looks good.”

 

After looking at it carefully, Xie Meng said seriously, “You look even better.”

 

Ji Qinyang clicked his tongue, “You’re getting sweeter.”

 

He posted the photo to Moments and asked Xie Meng to like it. Ji Qinyang didn’t have many friends on Moments, but soon, Qi Fei, Zhuo Xiaoyuan, and Han Dong all liked it.

 

Qi Fei left a comment: “Why not post on Weibo? Being affectionate and not being professional.”

 

Seeing this, Xie Meng couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Ji Qinyang kicked the front seat lightly, and Qi Fei exaggeratedly exclaimed, making everyone in the car laugh.

 

Finally, Ji Qinyang posted the photo on Weibo and also tagged Xie Meng.

 

Zhang Ganggang retweeted Ji Qinyang’s Weibo post: “I have more than you!”

 

Xie Meng clicked into his profile and indeed saw many photos taken by the boys, from their earliest snowball fights to their graduation celebrations.

 

In the end, Zhang Ganggang made a collection titled “Moments Between Years.”

 

“There will be more in the future,” Zhang Ganggang turned around, kneeling on the first row of seats, holding up his camera with the lens aimed at everyone. “Come on, everyone, give me a smile.”

 

From Suzhou, they took the Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway to Changzhou Dinosaur Park, which only took an hour and a half. Once Zhang Ganggang got off the car, he started taking pictures enthusiastically. The others left their bags in the car and went straight to the hotel.

 

“Let’s go to the Zhonghua Dinosaur Park first,” Han Dong said, looking at the map. “We can have lunch at the Dino Water Town at noon. Anyone interested in hot springs in the afternoon?”

 

Qi Fei groaned, “Hot springs in this blazing heat?”

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan shrugged, “Since we’re here, might as well try everything.”

 

Several boys weren’t interested in places like the Dinosaur Museum, so Zhang Ganggang led the way to the Sky Tower.

 

“…” Xie Meng almost had to tilt his neck completely back to see the top of the Sky Tower.

 

Qi Fei’s face turned pale, “I think I’m scared of heights…”

 

Zhang Ganggang clenched his fists tightly, “Qi Fei Mama! Show your dad’s side!”

 

Qi Fei muttered, “…”

 

Xie Meng, Ji Qinyang, Zhang Ganggang, and Han Dong sat in a row. Ji Qinyang held Xie Meng’s hand, “If you can’t handle it, just yell.”

 

Xie Meng swallowed hard, “I’ll try…”

 

As the seats slowly ascended, Xie Meng couldn’t help but look down. By the time they reached the highest point, the crowd below looked as tiny as ants.

 

Beside Xie Meng, Zhang Ganggang couldn’t hold back his screams.

 

“Aaaaahhhhh!!!”

 

During the rapid descent, Xie Meng felt like his heart was about to stop, with Zhang Ganggang’s screams echoing in his ears, “Rou Rou! Rou Rou! I’m gonna die!!”

 

Han Dong couldn’t stand it anymore and shouted, “Shut up!”

 

Ignoring him, Zhang Ganggang continued, “Rou Rou! I love you!!”

 

Han Dong said through gritted teeth, “…”

 

Zhang Ganggang yelled until his voice went hoarse, “I love you! Rou Rou! I love you! Love you love you love you! Aaaahhh!!!”

 

Han Dong roared, “Shut up, you idiot! I got it!”

 

Zhang Ganggang was too excited to hear anything. After the safety bar opened, the boys hadn’t recovered yet. Zhang Ganggang coughed and wiped tears from his eyes, “That was awesome…”

 

Qi Fei came over from the other end, supported by Zhuo Xiaoyuan, looking pale.

 

Han Dong’s expression wasn’t good either, but it seemed unrelated to fear of heights.

 

Xie Meng sighed with relief, “You guys are amazing… Starting with such an exciting ride.”

 

Ji Qinyang lazily smiled, “Let’s change the pace, how about bumper cars?”

 

After playing four or five rounds with a group of seven or eight-year-old kids, Qi Fei finally recovered. When Zhang Ganggang wanted to go on the 4D roller coaster, Qi Fei absolutely refused.

 

“This is literally shortening my life…” Qi Fei watched Zhang Ganggang and Han Dong hanging upside down and spinning 360 degrees on the roller coaster. “Why do humans invent these things to torture themselves?”

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan gave him a look, “Why don’t you say dating is also about torturing yourself… Why bother?”

 

Qi Fei, “…”

 

Ji Qinyang bought ice cream, and Xie Meng noticed staff selling various headwear. He couldn’t help but glance at them a few times.

 

“Want one?” Ji Qinyang picked out a pair of black cat ears and paid for them.

 

Xie Meng couldn’t avoid the hand that was forcefully putting them on his head, looking somewhat helpless at Ji Qinyang.

 

The boys chuckled. “Looks great on you.”

 

Narrowing his eyes, Xie Meng suddenly made an emotionless “meow.”

 

Ji Qinyang: “…”

 

Xie Meng ate his ice cream quietly and said lightly, “That ‘meow’ just now was meant to say thank you.”

 

Ji Qinyang: “…”

 

Xie Meng continued eating his ice cream nonchalantly.

 

At noon, the six of them went to the themed hotel inside the dinosaur park. There were some issues with room assignments, and Zhang Ganggang immediately hugged Xie Meng without hesitation. “I want to sleep with Mengmeng!”

 

Xie Meng: “…”

 

Ji Qinyang raised an eyebrow, leaning against the counter lazily and smiling, “Nope.”

 

Zhang Ganggang looked devastated…

 

Ji Qinyang pointed to the others, “Except Xie Meng, you can choose anyone.”

 

“Why can’t it be Mengmeng?” Zhang Ganggang pouted, annoyed. “I want Mengmeng!”

 

“Because he’s not yours,” Ji Qinyang reached out, hooked Xie Meng’s shoulder, and pulled him closer. “He’s mine.”

 

Zhang Ganggang: “…”

 

Qi Fei sympathetically said, “Forget it, come sleep with Mama. Mama will tell you bedtime stories.”

 

Han Dong opened his mouth, his expression somewhat strange, as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t. Zhuo Xiaoyuan came over with his bag, frowning inexplicably, “What are you thinking? Did you get the room card?”

 

Han Dong glanced at him with little interest.

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan nagged, “You better not snore or grind your teeth at night. If there’s noise, I won’t be able to sleep.”

 

Han Dong: “…”

 

After sorting out the rooms, a few of them went to the hot springs together. Due to the hot weather, not many people were soaking, and many pools were empty.

 

Xie Meng and Ji Qinyang soaked in the red wine pool for a while, but because it was too hot, they ended up sitting on the edge, soaking their feet.

 

Xie Meng noticed that Ji Qinyang was indeed wearing boxer briefs.

 

“Don’t look,” Ji Qinyang leaned back, supporting himself with his arms, his smile nonchalant. “Little brother finally softened, and you looking will make it hard again.”

 

“…” Xie Meng chuckled helplessly and reached out to ruffle Ji Qinyang’s hair.

 

In the evening, Qi Fei took out cards and played Landlord in the room. Ji Qinyang drew several times but escaped each time due to Zhang Ganggang’s mistakes. Qi Fei yelled in frustration, “Zhang Ganggang, do you even know how to play? Why are you holding onto bombs? Saving them for the next Chinese New Year?”

 

Zhang Ganggang: “Let’s play again! Let’s play again!” He shouted to Han Dong, “Master Han, please guide me!”

 

Ji Qinyang threw down the cards, giving his seat to Han Dong. “You play. Xie Meng and I are going to sleep.”

 

“So early?” Zhuo Xiaoyuan raised an eyebrow. “Can you guys sleep?”

 

Ji Qinyang didn’t say anything, pushing Xie Meng towards the door. Before they could leave, they heard Zhang Ganggang yawning and mumbling, “I want to sleep too…”

 

“Stop sleeping, damn it!” Qi Fei roared, “Get up and have fun!”

 

Zhang Ganggang: “…”

 

“… ” Xie Meng laughed in the corridor. “Looks like they’re determined to battle till dawn.”

 

Ji Qinyang shrugged. “Let them make noise. They’ll regret it tomorrow.”

 

Xie Meng shook his head, took the room card and opened the door. Before he could close it, Ji Qinyang hugged him and kissed him. The guy was only wearing a robe, clearly showing a reaction below.

 

The room had a tropical rainforest theme, with wallpaper depicting towering trees.

 

The air conditioning was on full blast. The two stripped down and slept under one blanket, cuddling and kissing each other incessantly.

 

Xie Meng felt Ji Qinyang’s hand occasionally exploring behind him but stopping short. He couldn’t help but open his eyes and look at him. “?”

 

“Your birthday is at the end of the year,” Ji Qinyang kissed Xie Meng’s eyelashes.

 

Xie Meng didn’t say anything. He rolled over, pinning Ji Qinyang underneath him.

 

Ji Qinyang laughed. “That’s not a problem either.”

 

Xie Meng kissed him on the forehead and said lightly, “You should take the lead. I’m afraid my inexperience might hurt you.”

 

Ji Qinyang suddenly hugged him tightly.

 

“?” Xie Meng touched his head. “What’s wrong?”

 

“Nothing,” Ji Qinyang muttered. “I just think you’re too handsome…”

 

The next morning, except for Ji Qinyang and Xie Meng, everyone else looked like they had been through hell and back, wishing they were dead.

 

Han Dong put on his sunglasses as soon as he got into the car. Zhang Ganggang took over the back seat, his face covered in drool from sleeping.

 

“You guys are really something,” Xie Meng sighed. Zhuo Xiaoyuan, who had gone to bed early in the morning, looked slightly better than the others.

 

“It’s not me who’s pushing it,” Zhuo Xiaoyuan yawned. “After I left, those three were still playing cards all night, and I could hear Zhang Ganggang bombarding…”

 

Han Dong walked to the back seat and woke up Qi Fei, who was using Zhang Ganggang as a pillow. “I’ll sit here. You go to the front and sleep.”

 

Qi Fei happily moved without contributing his thigh, swaying to the front row for a nap.

 

Han Dong sat down and gently placed Zhang Ganggang’s head on his lap.

 

Ji Qinyang raised his eyebrows when he saw it.

 

Han Dong made a shushing gesture, and Ji Qinyang smiled and turned away.

 

Because they left Changzhou late, they didn’t arrive at the booked hotel in Yangzhou until the afternoon. They hastily had dinner and went back to their rooms to rest. Han Dong arranged to stay in the same room with Zhang Ganggang.

 

Xie Meng and Ji Qinyang weren’t planning to sleep so early. They called a tricycle and took a stroll around downtown Yangzhou.

 

For supper, they drank spicy soup and visited the old city gate. Ji Qinyang held Xie Meng’s hand in the night and strolled leisurely on Dongguan Street.

 

By the time they returned to the hotel, it was past 10 pm. Han Dong was waiting at the room door with his laptop bag. Seeing them, he frowned in disapproval. “Showing affection so openly at this hour. Aren’t you afraid of getting struck by lightning?”

 

Ji Qinyang shrugged nonchalantly. “If you envy it, you can show affection too.”

 

Han Dong frowned but couldn’t find a retort, wearing a “I’m not happy” expression.

 

Xie Meng looked at them inexplicably. “What’s with the mysterious vibe?”

 

Ji Qinyang took the room key and opened the door, saying lightly, “Nothing…” He asked Han Dong, “What are you here for?”

 

Han Dong shook his laptop bag. “The test scores came out. I wanted to estimate with Xie Meng.”

 

Ji Qinyang was speechless. “You really know how to kill the mood.”

 

Xie Meng smiled and put his arm around Ji Qinyang’s shoulder. He pushed open the door, gesturing for Han Dong to come in. “What’s your approximate target for the first choice?”

 

“If it’s the first choice, it’s probably Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications,” Han Dong opened his laptop and connected to the internet. “What about you?”

 

Xie Meng thought for a moment. “Renmin University.”

 

Han Dong raised an eyebrow. “The scores for Renmin University are not low.”

 

Xie Meng nodded. “I know, but it’s quite close to the Central Conservatory of Music.”

 

Ji Qinyang chuckled and jumped off the bed, hugging Xie Meng tightly.

 

Han Dong wore an expression of “You guys are enough to tease people”.

 

“Are you sure about Renmin?” Han Dong asked Ji Qinyang, opening the webpage to check the scores.

 

Ji Qinyang replied, “I passed the interview. As for the cultural scores… even if I scored zero in math, I could still get in.”

 

Han Dong gritted his teeth. “You’re more arrogant than a top student.”

 

Ji Qinyang proudly shrugged his shoulders.

 

After checking the score line, Xie Meng’s heart was almost half settled. He and Han Dong discussed the issues related to their majors and tentatively decided on financial management.

 

“Your provincial ranking shouldn’t be low. A few talented ones are definitely going to Tsinghua and Peking University. Let’s see how many spots Renmin University allocates to Jiangsu,” Han Dong pulled out a table and calculated, “You should be able to squeeze in.”

 

Xie Meng said, “There’s more than one option in finance. I’ve checked all the boxes.”

 

Han Dong nodded. “All are good options. In the finance field, it’s easier to find jobs in institutions like the State Administration of Taxation, People’s Bank of China, China Banking Regulatory Commission, and as a fallback, banks or insurance companies.”

 

Xie Meng smiled. “I haven’t thought that far ahead yet.”

 

“If you want to establish yourself in the capital city, you should start considering it early,” Han Dong finished checking and closed his laptop. He also helped Zhang Ganggang estimate his scores.

 

Ji Qinyang asked, “How about that kid? Will he get into the media program?”

 

Han Dong smiled rare. “He should be able to. It wasn’t in vain that he worked so hard before the exam.”

 

Xie Meng added, “Next up are Zhuo Xiaoyuan and Qi Fei. Qi Fei shouldn’t have any problems.”

 

“Zhuo Xiaoyuan wants to go to Tongji University School of Medicine. He should be estimating his scores tonight.” Han Dong checked the time. “I’ll go to his room and ask. You guys go ahead and sleep.”

 

“Don’t stay up too late,” Ji Qinyang said, turning off the hallway lights, leaving only two bedside lamps on. “We’re going for morning tea at the teahouse tomorrow.”

 

Yechun Teahouse in Yangzhou was so busy early in the morning that they had to wait for tables to turn over. Zhang Ganggang was eager to treat himself to celebrate his ability to enter his first choice.

 

The crab roe soup dumplings were as big as a plate, and when they were brought out, their skins were trembling. At first, all six people were a little stunned and didn’t know how to start eating, but later the waiter brought straws and they suddenly realized.

 

“This is so fun…” Zhang Ganggang ate happily. “Suzhou doesn’t have ones this big.”

 

Qi Fei ate one and looked somewhat complicated. “Feels like sucking on a pacifier.”

 

“… ” Zhang Ganggang looked down at the so-called “pacifier”-like bun…

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan said disgustedly, “Can you not be so obscene? Do you want to let people eat?”

 

Ji Qinyang and Han Dong were not affected at all. The two big eaters actually ordered four servings, and Xie Meng thought the taste was good and ate one more.

 

They drank tea, ate soup dumplings, and finally ordered three baskets of pan-fried dumplings. When Zhang Ganggang paid the bill, he felt his heart bleed and muttered, “Can’t invite boys to dinner in the future… it’s too costly…”

 

After having morning tea, they went to stroll around Shouxihu. Zhang Ganggang always remembered the ancient poem: “Desiring to compare West Lake to Xi Zi, light makeup or heavy painting is all fitting” while taking a single shot.

 

Ji Qinyang could not help but comment, “Su Shi’s West Lake refers to West Lake in Hangzhou. What’s the point of taking pictures here?”

 

Zhang Ganggang thought, “It doesn’t matter, anyway, I’m about to go to Hangzhou, I’ll take it then.”

 

“We’re not going to West Lake in Hangzhou.” Han Dong refused cruelly, “We’re going directly to Xiangshan, Ningbo, the seaside, you can take pictures of the ocean.”

 

Zhang Ganggang: “…”

 

It took nearly six hours to drive from Yangzhou to Xiangshan, so a few people left Yangzhou for the next station early in the morning.

 

In the car, they don’t know who started to sing a song, and Qi Fei clamored to let Ji Qinyang sing his own song.

 

“I haven’t finished writing it yet.” The boy lazily stretched his arms, but did not refuse. “I can sing a short section.”

 

Zhang Ganggang was already preparing to take the video: “Don’t be shy, Yimei! Come on!”

 

Xie Meng opened the Bluetooth speaker, and he looked at Ji Qinyang, the boy smiled at him.

 

“I still remember the morning song.” Ji Qinyang’s singing voice is low and soft, and Zhang Ganggang holds his breath and holds his cell phone: “The sunset has turned red, the mountain slopes, and the water gradually move away from the return.”

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan turned his head, he looked at the scenery outside the window, and his fingertips patted his legs.

 

“Black canopies, small bridges downstream.” Ji Qinyang smiled and sang: “Outside the hospital, plum blossoms are blooming, and the pipa sound is far away from the nostalgia across the water.”

 

“Slow down, don’t wait for me; walk slowly, who left regrets?”

 

Familiar music sounded, Ji Qinyang looked at Xie Meng.

 

“The years don’t know when to stop, time slowly and gently.”

 

Xie Meng sang along: “Gradually, gradually, time no longer lingers.”

 

“Your smile is like sand snow, falling into my heart.” Ji Qinyang led Xie Meng’s harmony: “Gradually, gradually, covered in the years.”

 

When we arrived at Xiangshan, it was already evening. Zhang Ganggang was still watching the video of Ji Qinyang singing on the phone. Several other people also imported the original version into their phones and made ringtones like Xiemeng.

 

“Yang Ge, you will definitely be a star.” Qi Fei, after listening again, suddenly said seriously.

 

Ji Qinyang punched him: “I plan to be behind the scenes and don’t plan to be a singer. It doesn’t matter if I’m popular or not. I just use works to speak.”

 

Zhang Ganggang was a little surprised: “Not a singer? Isn’t it better to sing and write songs… Yimei, you’re completely fine!”

 

Ji Qinyang smiled and said nothing, Zhuo Xiaoyuan reached out and pressed Zhang Ganggang’s head: “People should be low-key, you think everyone wants to be famous?”

 

Xie Meng’s eyes fell on Ji Qinyang’s face, the boy’s smile was casual, gentle, and beautiful.

 

The hotel was located near Shipu Fishing Port Ancient City. After putting away their luggage, several people went to stroll around the ancient city. Because of the sea, the summer breeze brushing their faces brought the smell of seawater.

 

The stairs in the city snaked upwards, with ancient wooden houses on both sides, and fishermen strung sea snails into bunches hanging under the eaves, with flowers and plants inside.

 

Zhang Ganggang found an angle to take photos, Han Dong stood on the high steps and looked down, while Qi Fei sighed beside him: “This is really a place of ancient times.”

 

Ji Qinyang looked at the signs carved on the stone: “Hmm, this is really good here.”

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan carefully picked out sea snails, with Xie Meng helping to inspect. It took them half the day to make their purchase.

 

That evening’s dinner was entirely seafood—sea clams, oysters, various types of snail meat, and squid. Zhang Ganggang scratched himself as he ate, and his arms ended up all red. Han Dong had to go back and get ointment for him.

 

After dinner, Qi Fei organized a trip to the seaside. Ji Qinyang, worried about visibility after dark, brought a flashlight. Unexpectedly, there were many fishing boats on the sea, their masts adorned with lanterns, quietly moored along the shore. The stars above were sparse, reminiscent of ancient paintings.

 

As the sky gradually darkened, the sound of the waves was unceasing, striking against the sandy shore.

 

The fishing boats swayed with the waves, their lantern lights resembling stars scattered across the dark sea.

 

Zhang Ganggang asked a fisherman for several lanterns and piled sand on the shore. Han Dong squatted nearby, watching. Zhuo Xiaoyuan and Qi Fei played near the shallows, but because it was so dark, they often got splashed with seawater, and Qi Fei’s cries could be heard from afar.

 

Ji Qinyang stood on a rocky reef with a lantern, smiling and extending his hand to Xie Meng.

 

The two walked down to the base of Xiangshan. Ji Qinyang led Xie Meng to a higher spot, where the sound of waves crashing against the rocks made Xie Meng involuntarily look down. Not far from them was a fishing boat, its sails against a dark sky, softened only by the gentle glow of its lanterns on the turbulent sea.

 

Ji Qinyang smiled and said, “The fishing boat sings at night.”

 

Xie Meng, rarely joking, replied, “Are you feeling inspired to write a song? Do you need paper and pen?”

 

Ji Qinyang pinched his cheek. “Do I still need inspiration? Huh?”

 

Xie Meng laughed and dodged, but Ji Qinyang caught his hands, their fingers intertwined, intimately kissing amidst the night’s murmuring tide.

 

“As long as I’m with you,” Ji Qinyang whispered softly against Xie Meng’s forehead, “I can write the most beautiful songs.”

 

Xie Meng hugged him and smiled. “Being a science guy, you’re at a disadvantage.”

 

Ji Qinyang raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

 

“I can’t write poetry, I can’t sing songs,” Xie Meng thought for a moment, then looked at Ji Qinyang, pointing to his chest. “But I have a heart that loves you. Is that enough?”

 

Ji Qinyang opened his mouth but couldn’t say anything for a while.

 

Xie Meng kissed his cheek. “Willing to endure any hardship for you?”

 

“I don’t need you to endure hardships…” Ji Qinyang chuckled and muttered, “Just obediently stay by my side.”

 

Xie Meng didn’t say anything. He leaned his forehead against Ji Qinyang’s, watching the waves continuously wash up below them.

 

From afar, Zhang Ganggang called out their names. “Come see the words I wrote! They’ll be gone when the tide rises!”

 

Ji Qinyang shouted back, “What did you write?!”

 

“Youth is eternal!” Qi Fei laughed as he shouted for Zhang Ganggang.

 

Zhang Ganggang was excited. “There’s one more line! Just one more!”

 

Zhuo Xiaoyuan refused to shout, “Isn’t that line too cheesy?!”

 

Han Dong couldn’t resist Zhang Ganggang’s pleading eyes and reluctantly said, “We’ll be together forever!”

 

On the beach, the group burst into laughter, teasing each other.

 

The laughter of these young men, full of vitality, seemed to pierce through the endless sea, illuminating the night sky with sparkling stars.

 

Qingming (清明) is a traditional Chinese festival that usually falls around early April, specifically marking a time to honor ancestors by visiting their gravesites, cleaning the tombstones, and making offerings of food and other items. It’s also a time when people appreciate nature, often going for outings to enjoy the spring scenery and fresh air.